A SPECIAL school will close its doors at the end of term tomorrow for the final time.

Alexander Patterson, in Wolverley, near Kidderminster, has endured declining pupil numbers for years, with fewer than 20 now at the school.

Worcestershire County Council took the decision to close it in March last year, despite opposition from parents, staff and some Wyre Forest district councillors.

Its July closure date was postponed, but the Schools Adjudicator confirmed it would shut this Easter because it had become financially "non-viable". Parents said the extra two terms they won for the school by campaigning and lobbying the council was vital.

"It's very sad, especially for the staff who have stuck with the school and have been packing it up, while trying to teach," said Jenny Oliver, whose autistic, nine-year-old son Tom attended the school for years before moving to Stourminster in September.

"At least now, because of the extra time allowed, there is considerably better provision at the other schools for Alexander Patterson pupils than there would have been."

The pupils, with moderate to profound learning difficulties, will attend other special schools, such as Blakebroke and Stourminster, with one or two in mainstream education.

"It's a very difficult and sad time for the whole school community," said acting headteacher Mick Russell.

"But we have tried to have a fun two weeks - everything from going to a fun fair and the cinema to canoeing and abseiling - and keeping things positive."

Geoff King, deputy head of services to schools at the county council, thanked everyone at school for their hard work.

"It's a shame when any quality education establishment has to close because of falling role numbers," he said.

In Worcester, Manor Park, Thornton House and Rose Hill special schools will also close in summer 2007.

In July last year, Cliffey House Special School, in The Rhydd, Hanley Castle, also closed down, with the pupils moving out to mainstream high schools.